When Peter Grzan, the manager of the Piedmont Club in Winston-Salem, NC, asked us to help create a safari theme for their annual Charity Classic, we quickly agreed. This event would raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDS) and the Crosby Scholars Community Partnership, a local non-profit organization that serves the college access needs of over 3,000 public middle school and high school students in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, North Carolina.
As we became more involved with the event, we offered to create a second event in order to raise more funds for these deserving charities. Safari Professionals sponsored a private fund raising dinner, inviting Tweed Roosevelt, Theodore Roosevelt’s great-grandson, to speak about his great-grandfather’s passion for conservation and wildlife – and the pioneering safari “Teddy” conducted in 1909-1910.
The day of fund raising began when Tweed visited the local MDA annual camp.
Tweed asked if he could visit the children at the camp, reminding us that teddy bears were named after “Teddy” Roosevelt, and suggested we bring teddy bears as gifts for the children. Upon hearing about this, our friend, David Phillips (owner of the PR Store), offered to provide the teddy bears, in partnership with Ruth Hudspeth (with Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation). I’m sure you can imagine the excitement of the children as each of them received a soft and fuzzy teddy bear.
The highlight of the day was Tweed’s presentation at “An Evening with Tweed Roosevelt” to a sold out audience. His relaxed and informal dialogue evoked the energy and excitement of his great-grandfather’s passion for nature. A century after he served as President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt remains an intriguing figure and his legacy as our country’s first conservation president is still felt today.
Both events were successful and all the funds raised went to the charities. The expenses of both events were covered by the Piedmont Club and Safari Professionals, along with some of our friends.
We thank all those who made this a rewarding event for everyone involved:
Tom Jenkins – TJ’s the DJ; David Phillips – The PR Store; Jerry Lambert – J. Carlyle Services, Inc. Ground Transportation; Kristie Staton; Erinn Dearth – First In Flight Entertainment; Ruth Hudspeth – Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation; Michelle Watson & Chris Hughes – Henry F. Schaffner House; Christina Johansen – MediaFit, Strategic Marketing & Advertising; Jennifer Taylor and the staff of the Muscular Dystrophy Association; the staff and volunteers of the Crosby Scholars; and the entire staff of the Piedmont Club.